The Bucs ended their 0-9 skid to the start of the 1983 season with a win in the Metrodome against the Vikings thanks to James Wilder's record-setting day. Wilder rushed for a franchise record 219 yards including a 75-yard score in the third quarter, and a key 34-yard run when the Bucs were clinging to the lead and trying to run out the clock late in the game.

Tampa Bay had trailed 9-0 early in the game when a blocked punt and a fumbled punt gave the Vikings an early advantage, but the Buc defense brought the team back into the game when Lee Roy Selmon sacked Steve Dils forcing a fumble, and nose tackle David Logan returned it for a score.